June 19, 2021, Munich: Somethings never change as they say. Decades changed but Germany scoring 4 past Portugal didn’t. The Allianz Arena unfolded the best match of the EURO 2020 till now. Without a shadow of a doubt in what was a recap of the 2014 World Cup where Germany found the back of the net 4 times against Portugal.
Defending Portugal were hosted by 3 time European Championship winners Germany in Munich. Where Joachim Low’s men ran riot despite trailing behind early in the first half. The defeat to Germany means Portugal’s 15 years long wait to defeat Germany continues. Germany’s victory only made things a lot more interesting in the group of death. As the race to the knockout stages is now very open.
Football Monk takes a look at the talking points post Germany’s victory.
Goals Galore
An end-to-end action-packed 90 minutes were up on display in Group F’s iconic fixture where Portugal were torn to shreds by Germany. This match had every necessary ingredient to lit up the stage at Munich. Be it own goals or moments of individual brilliance. A 6 goal thriller saw Germany fight back against Portugal. As they kept their Euro 2020 aspirations alive.
The Perfect counter attack by Portugal
Despite numerous attempts from Germany, one moment of collective brilliance from Portugal spoiled everything. A lightning-quick counterattack by the visitors with Bernado Silva and Jota beautifully combining and the man of the moment Cristiano Ronaldo’s 107th goal for Portugal summed up the breakthrough here at the Allianz Arena.
Germany turns table
The 2014 World Champions looked the better side since the opening whistle itself. The Germans were denied an early lead owing to an offside in the 5th minute. Germany handed Portugal a lot of real anxiety moments through the flanks with Havertz, Muller, and Gnabry taking charge. All the pressure did result in two successive own goals by Ruben Dias and Raphael Guerreiro. Making sure Germany dominates the scoreline for the first time at the EURO 2020.
Portugal’s vulnerable backline
The defending champions house some of the big names in European football in their backline. But couldn’t cope with Germany’s high-intensity football. A lot of misplaced passes, lack of composure, and too much pressure came in like a nightmare for the Portuguese men. Germany almost broke them apart and forced them to lose their shape which resulted in a lot of holes every time Portugal defended.
Kai Havertz living upto his hype
Chelsea’s German machine has been on the top of his game ever since the Champions League final where he scored the winner back in May. Kai was the perfect definition of an offensive nightmare for Portugal. He was too good with the ball and his off-the-ball movements were second to none. Havertz silenced all his critics as he became the first goalscorer for Germany in the entire 26 men squad after he scored the third for Germany and also had a big say in the opening own goals by Portugal.
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